Marion Co Ready For First State Title Game in 19 Years

    By this time tomorrow night, Marion County could be state champs. 

Quarterback Bryce Massengale says it’s difficult not to dream about the gold ball.

"Yeah, it’s hard to wrap your mind around. It’s exciting knowing that we could get a ring and go down in history for it."

   But Warriors coach Ricky Ross should keep his team grounded.

He was an assistant coach at Calhoun High School, where they played in multiple state title games.

"When I look back at my notes, I try to take good notes of things I did good, and things I did bad. I try to flip back through that. The big things I always put in there is focus on the fundamentals and enjoy."

  Last week, the Warriors showed plenty of resolve, rallying from a 15-0 halftime deficit to beat Knox Grace.

Said Ross,"The teams that win the championship are not always the biggest, the fastest, or the strongest. It’s the team that’s committed to each other and plays with heart. I think that’s what we demonstrated Friday night as much as anything."

  Back in the nineties, Marion County won four state titles in six years.

But Saturday marks their first title game since ’95.

Said running back Blake Brooks,"It would mean a lot to the community to bring back a state championship considering how long it has been. My uncle played on two of the state championship teams, and he’s always talking about it."

  Coach Ross says his team will need to pack their defense for the bus trip to face Peabody.

"They’re an explosive team. Their special teams. Their offense. Their real opportunistic."
Kickoff Saturday is at noon eastern time.